Your Mission
An application specialist at Pirates is tasked with innovating and evaluating products, validating their commercial viability, and delivering customized solutions to address precise customer needs—particularly within industrial-scale bakery, pastry, and chocolate operations.
What you do
Providing expert technical guidance and support to industrial bakeries and pâtisseries, delivering high-end solutions tailored to their operational needs.
Devise tailored solutions to address customer requirements, facilitating the seamless integration of products and concepts into their operations.
Forging robust and enduring relationships with designated accounts is a primary objective.
Assisting the Director of Research & Development in overseeing research initiatives and advancing new product development efforts.
Engaging with clients to comprehensively assess their requirements and collaboratively develop customized solutions.
Managing the end-to-end deployment of both existing and new products across clients’ production environments.
Translate the Pirates group’s New Product Development (NPD) guidelines into actionable strategies tailored specifically for the Kenya market, facilitating the seamless introduction of innovative products through hands-on test baking, distribution of samples, and targeted training sessions.
The role involves scouting and overseeing emerging business prospects while mitigating risks to current portfolios, thereby empowering the business development team to achieve their sales objectives.
Working collaboratively within cross-functional teams alongside local Technical, Marketing, and Sales teams—or engaging with Pirates’ international and diverse global network—you will leverage collaborative working tools and data analytics to drive shared objectives and enhance decision-making.
Maintain current knowledge of baking and ingredient trends, including emerging developments, while possessing a comprehensive understanding of all Pirates products.
Forge enduring and robust client relationships while cultivating a network of ingredient and equipment specialists both within Pirates and across external partners.
What we expect from you
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in food science or a closely related discipline is required.
With a minimum of five years of practical experience in an industrial bakery environment, you have honed your skills in large-scale production processes.
You exhibit a deep enthusiasm for food and an unwavering commitment to acting ethically for the planet and the generations to come.
A strong grasp of pâtisserie automation processes, analytical methodologies, and new product development (NPD) frameworks is essential, along with expertise in ingredient selection to craft and enhance nutritious yet flavorful offerings.
Possesses comprehensive knowledge of the roles and interactions among ingredients, additives, and fundamental food chemistry principles.
Proficient in leveraging professional software applications, including CRM systems, spreadsheets, and presentation tools, with strong computer literacy.
Possesses a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment functionality, and finished product specifications. Demonstrates familiarity with operational workflows and quality standards associated with the production lifecycle.
Customer-focused professionals with a keen aptitude for fostering business growth and expansion are encouraged to apply.
Aptitude for converting innovative ideas into compelling end products, ensuring alignment with industrial production standards and processes.
Analytical proficiency and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential qualities for this role. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical capabilities and a methodical approach to addressing challenges. The ability to evaluate complex situations, identify underlying issues, and implement effective solutions is critical to success in this position.
Proven ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, with a talent for engaging and motivating customers.
Collaborative team player with a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and humility in all professional interactions.
Exceptional ability to plan and organize effectively, coupled with a keen eye for detail, is essential for this role.
The position requires the ability to travel as needed to fulfill job responsibilities and meet company objectives. You must be available to undertake domestic and/or international travel on short notice, with travel durations varying from a few days to several weeks.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 years
